Another busy month has passed. A good working bee produced lots of seeds, a further large area of the Dell cleared of gorse and more plants released. Many thanks to: Dave Allen, Ruby Durrant-Bush, Dawn Bush, Breda Ryan, Peter Kentish, Margaret Mills, Jean Macallan, Philip Corleison, Jonathon Waterworth, Bernard Cammack, Ann Evans and special thanks to Sascha Wassong who brought his dad and friends Max and Kristina along.
Preparations are going well for this year’s planting project in the Lower Ramaraoa. The fencing lines have been decided and the fencer has started. The area includes some small wetland areas as well as the stream flats and some slope. A line for a future track and areas for picnics will be kept clear. NgaUruora will do the pre-plant spot spraying, funded by our Ministry for the Environment grant. Planting will commence in late May – dates to follow.
We have a new logo – attached. This was designed by Leon and Rachel’s daughter and her partner. Many thanks to ‘Inject Design’ – Harry A’Court and Gina Kiel.
NZTA are planning a connecting road between Emerald Glen and Mackay’s Crossing. This will take away some of the farm’s best farming land and also some of our first year’s plantings. There will be compensation including a cycle/walk/bridle way which will provide a good cycle circuit via Campbell Road and access to the northern end of the farm. We expect NZTA to provide equivalent plantings to those lost.
The DOC landscape architect, Herwi Scheltus, has spent some time on the farm. Some of the Trustees had an excellent 7 hour field trip with Herwi and Wayne Boness followed by a productive evening meeting. We look forward to the next stage of development of the Strategic Plan for the farm with ideas for public access and future directions. This will be presented by Herwi at our AGM. Please put in your diary as it will be a stimulating evening. Herwi is very enthusiastic about the Farm’s potential and is seeking input from the Community.
Also a reminder that membership renewals are due. And we always welcome new members. Becoming a member not only helps financially but more importantly gives strength to our applications for grants and status in our dealings with other organisations. Application and renewal forms attached.
The next working bee is deferred by a week due to Easter – now Sunday 11th April.
AGM Tuesday 27th April, 7pm. Paraparaumu Library Meeting Room. Everyone is welcome.
